BBB Watch: Waka Network gets 'F'

Friday

Feb 1, 2013 at 12:01 AMFeb 1, 2013 at 12:10 AM

Consumers from Alaska to Florida and points in between have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau alleging that they have had unauthorized charges made to their debit and credit cards, and that they have received harassing phone calls from Waka Network Inc. located in Des Plaines, Ill.

Consumers from Alaska to Florida and points in between have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau alleging that they have had unauthorized charges made to their debit and credit cards, and that they have received harassing phone calls from Waka Network Inc. located in Des Plaines, Ill. On its website the company describes itself, in part, as managing memberships of consumers and merchants for promotions, information matching and loyalty reward programs.

"The Better Business Bureau has received 83 complaints in the last two years. This large number demonstrates a 'pattern of complaints' as many consumers allege that the company contacted them repeatedly. Some complainants describe being charged the membership fee after they cancelled," according to Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Because of the increasing number of complaints, Waka Network, Inc. was contacted by the BBB in June 2012 to discuss the claims being made by consumers. Many allege that for a $2.99 fee they were promised they would receive either $10 Walmart gift cards and/or $100 dollar gift cards (for Waka Network's online store) at no charge. However, in many cases the consumers allege they never signed-up for the promotion or did not get what was promised. There has been no response from the company.

"Waka Network has a F rating with the Better Business Bureau," stated Bernas. "BBB requested that the company provide a 'plan of action' on how they would eliminate the issues outlined in the complaints. However, the company ignored our requests."